top of page
HPR 2026 Logo Text Black.png

Hosted by

Color 2FREELENS Foundation-Logo-RGB-01 Kopie 2.png

OPEN CALL
01 – 30, MAY 2026

Gabriele Cecconi

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Italy

Amar Shonar Bangla

In the chaos of Dhaka, one of the world’s most frenetic megacities, a silent revolution is taking shape in the minds of Bangladesh’s youth, and the University of Dhaka, the country’s most prestigious institution, has become the heart of a nationwide uprising. When, in June 2024, the Supreme Court reinstated a controversial 30% quota of government jobs reserved for the descendants of freedom fighters, frustration erupted, giving birth to what became known as the “July Revolution.” The protests, led by students, quickly transformed into a movement against the autocratic policies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government. The uprising shook Bangladesh to its core. In just two months, around 10,000 students were arrested, and hundreds lost their lives in violent clashes. On August 5, Hasina resigned and fled the country, paving the way for an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now tasked with the daunting challenge of steering the nation through a historic transition. Bangladesh, home to 170 million people, has nearly a quarter of its population aged between 15 and 29. Despite a high level of education, almost half of these young people are unemployed. This paradox— an excess of knowledge clashing with a lack of opportunities—has fueled deep discontent, pushing young people across the country to unite in their demand for a better future. The University of Dhaka, with its legacy of shaping the country’s intellectual and political elite, became the epicenter of the movement. The ideas cultivated within its walls quickly spread, shaping a revolution that defied all expectations. But beyond the political upheaval, there is a deeply human story: how can a generation reconcile the weight of systemic failure with the hope for transformation? Through the narrative of the daily lives of these young revolutionaries, this project seeks to delve into the intimacy of its protagonists, exploring not only the origins but also the psychological consequences of what may be considered the first revolution of Generation Z in history. A story of resilience and vulnerability, a testament to the quiet strength of a generation fighting to carve out its place in history.

bottom of page